Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Mondaycongratulated the Indian women's hockey team for making history and reachingthe semi-finals of the Olympics 2020.
"Proud of our Women #HockeyTeam for making it toOlympic Semi-Finals by beating three-time Olympic Champions Australia,"the Chief Minister tweeted.
"Kudos to Gurjit Kaur from Amritsar who scored thelone goal of the match. We are on the threshold of history. Best of luck girls,go for the gold," he added.
India defeated world No. 2 Australia 1-0 in thequarterfinals to storm into the last-four stage, marking their maiden entryinto the medal round with a brilliant performance against a team that haddominated the tournament so far and was one of the favourites to win the goldmedal.
Drag flicker Gurjit Kaur scored the all-important goal inthe 22nd minute with a powerful flick that deflected off a defender's stickinto the goal.
The Indians then defended superbly and did not allowAustralia, three-time gold medallists in the Olympics, to score in the entiresecond half with defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Udita and Gurjit Kaur andmidfielder Monika, standing like a wall to guard the goal. And whenever theAussies got past them, goalkeeper Savita was there to save India as she pulledoff at least seven brilliant saves to thwart the Hockeyroos.
The Indians attacked aggressively, defended stoutly andcontrolled the midfield that allowed them to enjoy possession in the firsthalf. Australia could not get into their rhythm early on and kept chasing theball in the entire match.
India dominated the first half; they enjoyed morepossession and also created better chances against an Australian team that haddominated Pool B with an all-win record in five matches.